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Compulsive vs Pathological - What's the difference?

compulsive | pathological |

As adjectives the difference between compulsive and pathological

is that compulsive is uncontrolled or reactive and unconscious while pathological is (medicine) pertaining to pathology.

As a noun compulsive

is one who exhibits compulsive behaviours.

compulsive

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • uncontrolled or reactive and unconscious
  • * 1990 , :
    • Under this Act, the term "disability" shall not include—...(2) compulsive gambling, kleptomania, or pyromania; or...
  • Having power to compel; exercising or applying compulsion.
  • * Sharp
    • Religion is inconsistent with all compulsive motives.

    Related terms

    * compel * compulsion * compulsory

    Derived terms

    * compulsiveness

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • One who exhibits compulsive behaviours.

    • External links

    * * * ----

    pathological

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • (medicine) Pertaining to pathology.
  • (medicine) Relating to, amounting to, causing, or caused by a physical or mental disorder.
  • (mathematics) Having properties which are counterintuitive or difficult to handle.
  • (computer science) Having properties that cause unusually bad behaviour, especially regarding correctness or performance.

    • Synonyms

    * pathologic

    Antonyms

    * (mathematics)

    Derived terms

    * pathologically